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 Since 2004, a banner year for gay and lesbian rights, Massachusetts has become the only state in the union to extend full marriage benefits for same-sex couples. For committed lovebirds, it has opened a door of exciting progress and major opportunities. Oh, and major headaches: Now we have to plan weddings, too?! Luckily, Provincetown’s inclusive, gay-friendly spirit provides the perfect place for all couples (straight ones, too!) to host a wedding, commitment ceremony, or honeymoon. In addition to the charming seaside splendor that only Provincetown can provide, there are a plethora of party planners, caterers, venues, and other helpful businesses that make it simple, easy, and comfortable for future newlyweds to plan their special day. Let’s start with a venue: The Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum rents its spacious outdoor grounds for weddings. Besides the opportunity to trade vows under the monument’s regal 250-foot tower, the venue’s hillside perch affords gorgeous views of the Atlantic Ocean and Cape shore. If it’s more than a view of the water you want, consider holding your ceremony on one of Provincetown’s beaches. Town beaches do not require a permit, but, you also can not block access to the general public. Beaches along the Cape Cod National Seashore require a permit, but, allow for a more secluded experience. You can even have a bonfire!. For more information, please call 508-349-3785 ext. 214. Of course, some couples prefer the conventional approach of a religiously-affiliated venue. The Unitarian Universalist Meeting House is a perfect fit: a traditional sense of spirituality combined with progressive, open-minded values. For extremely reasonable rates, the Meeting House and its chaplains will host a ceremony that reflects the individual spirituality of any given couple, gay or straight; no dogma, just devotion. Seaside, hillside, by God’s side, or simply indoors at any of Provincetown’s charming inns or bed & breakfasts, the options are limitless. But once you’ve settled the issue of “location,” there soon comes a time-honored culinary query: Meat or fish? You’ll find a complete listing of caterers and restaurants here. However you choose to feed your guests, there’s little doubt that Provincetown’s culinary experts will take good care of their taste buds! Be sure to check with your selected venue for additional catering options; most have trusted relationships with outside caterers, and any establishment that normally serves food – a rented restaurant or a fine inn – is likely to offer its own in-house services at a competitive price. Of course, there’s much more to think about for your big day. There are floral arrangements and the necessary officiate: Alison Hyder (508-487-9344) of the UU Meeting House, and Reverend Vernon Diannah Porter (508-487-7198) both specialize in non-denominational ceremonies. And there are honeymoon jitters – though a few nights in any one of Provincetown’s gorgeous inns or guest houses, should be enough to soothe any nerves (just add Champagne, a hot tub, and a roaring in-room fireplace). No matter how you choose to celebrate your special day, remember the real benefit to a Provincetown ceremony: a respectful, adoring community that wants to celebrate your love … no matter what form it takes. “One couple requested that we allow a dog on the grounds for the wedding … to serve as their best man,” recalls Ellen Burbank, Administrator with the Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum, speaking of the venue’s most unusual request. If they’ll do that for Fido, just imagine what they’ll do for you. You can find everything you’ll need for the perfect wedding right here on PTOWN.org – the only site in Provincetown catering to the GLBT Community! |
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